(Psalms 55:15) Let death steal over them; let them go down to
Sheol alive; for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart.
(Matthew 26:24) The Son of Man goes as it is written of him,
but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been
better for that man if he had not been born."
God is a caring and loving father, wants the best for His
children, and is always watching over and protecting them. Why then does He
allow those He loves so dearly to be hurt by others, especially other
believers? There are certainly specific reasons God has as He works in each
individual's life, but overall God's purpose is to bring unbelievers to
repentance and believers into deeper levels of sanctification.
From your perspective, when you are wronged you have the
opportunity to rely on God's grace (to forgive the one who wronged you), God's
mercy (to comfort you), and to be drawn into deeper relationship and reliance
upon Him; in a word, sanctification. For the unbeliever who wrongs you know
this: his action will either be the cause of his condemnation and eternal
punishment (which should lead any true believer to a point of compassion) or
the conduit through which the Lord brings him to repentance and salvation
(which should lead any true believer to rejoice). For the believer who wrongs
you, know that your response has a direct effect on his sanctification; either
your forgiveness will display Christ's love and draw him closer to the image of
Christ, or your unforgiveness will lead him to further hurtful actions toward
you or others.
Today, know that the Lord takes proper and adequate vengeance
on all wrongs committed. Your wrongs and the wrongs of other believers have
been paid for by the blood of Christ on the cross. The wrongs of unbelievers
will be paid for through eternity in a way that you deserve but will never
experience.
Questions For Discussion
Why does God allow His children to be hurt by others?
How does being hurt by others end up a benefit to you?
How does the Lord work through you to benefit those who hurt
you?
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